|
Chinatown,
Kampong Glam
and Little India
are testimony to the island-nation's rich ethnic, cultural and
historical heritage. The districts are home to religious monuments as
well as quaint shophouses selling ethnic goods and cuisine. They
provide an insight into the cultural fabric of Singapore and are
perhaps the country's truest attractions, having stood the test of
time.
-
Where
to Shop Chinatown
Just
behind the soaring skyscrapers of Singapore's financial district
lies Chinatown. Bound by Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road,
New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road, this crowded and colourful
network of streets and alleyways has changed little over the
decades. Here, Chinese merchants engage in business from the ground
floor of quaint pre-war shophouses much as they have for
generations.
Experience the sights and sounds of Chinatown: medical halls mix
snake skin, herbs and spices and other exotic ingredients into
potions for all ailments; traditional delicacies like sea cucumbers
lie drying in the street; fruit sellers squat near mounds of
rambutan, strong-smelling durian, mangosteen and other seasonal
fruits; fortune-tellers sit at make-shift tables waiting for eager
customers to know their future; hawkers grill thin slices of pork
for passers-by over home-made barbecues. Here, bargains abound
from beautifully-embroidered kimonos, gold jewellery and T-shirts to
pottery and traditional crafts at delightfully hard-to-believe
prices.
Try the Tanjong Pagar
area for traditional teashops, clog and kite makers, painted masks,
waxed paper umbrellas, lacquerware from China, handicrafts and
artefacts from all over Asia. Then wander over to Smith Street,
Trengganu Street, Temple Street and Pagoda Street where the streets
are at their narrowest and you'll find some of the best bargains.
The modern face of Chinatown shopping can be found in the area
around the junction of Cross Street with New Bridge Road and Eu Tong
Seng Street. The large shopping complexes here, such as Chinatown
Point, Yue Hwa, People's Park Complex and Chinatown Complex are not
only good sources for Chinese products but also offer bargains
galore in their extensive ranges of more conventional products. Look
here for everything from electrical and electronic goods, luggage
and textiles to bargain-priced clothes and cosmetics. A wide
selection of local crafts are available at the Singapore Handicraft
Centre in Chinatown Point.
Nearest MRT station: Outram Park (EW16) or Chinatown (NE4).
-
Where
to Shop Kampong Glam and Arab Street
The little streets in this area form
the historical focal point of Muslim life in Singapore. Nothing
beats the surroundings for bazaar-style shopping with true ethnic
character. Here you can browse in hole-in-the-wall shops, haggle to
your heart's content and come away with the most delightful
purchases at bargain prices. Arab traders settled here to be near
their Muslim brothers, the Malays, Javanese and Buginese. Many shops
still reflect the Muslim influence, selling prayer rugs, skull caps
and anything needed for an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
The most visible items for sale are the baskets and other cane,
straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spilling out onto the pavements
- from baby cradles to floor mats, hanging chairs to serving trays.
These shops also stock interesting camel skin bags, cloisonne boxes
and sewing kits. But perhaps the real glory of Kampong Glam and Arab
Street is the textiles. Bales of gorgeous chiffon, silk, cotton
georgette and other luxurious fabrics crowd the pavements, waiting
to be sold at unbeatable prices. The area is also renowned for
batiks from Indonesia and Malaysia, exquisitely hand-made by the
wax-resist dye method and typically sold in sarong lengths.
Machine-printed batik with traditional designs is also available by
the metre or in ready-made shorts, sundresses, ties, table linen and
more.
There are also a number of fishing tackle shops carrying an amazing
array of items for both the amateur and the professional angler.
Nearest MRT station:
Bugis (EW12)
-
Ethnic
Quarters Little India
The
first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles
as assistants and soldiers back in 1819. In the late 19th century,
many more Indian immigrants arrived to find work, be it as labourers
to build roads or to take up key positions in the civil service.
Today, Little India is the focal point of Singapore's Indian
community. Its spice-scented streets beckon you to a treasure trove
of silverware, brassware, ethnic jewellery, jasmine garlands and
silk saris. From the large Tekka Centre to the small provision
shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover.
During Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is
transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated, brightly lit
streets bustling with shoppers.
Don't miss the Little India Cultural Corner (next to the food court
in the Little India Arcade) which transports you back in time
through an archival display. There's also a striking display of
traditional Indian items and story signs which brings to life the
rich symbolism and use of these items. There's also the vibrant
Indian-inspired murals painted by Singaporean youths next to Sri
Veeramakalimman Temple. For more information on Little India and the
Indian community in Singapore, visit the Little India website at
http://www.littleindia.com.sg
Getting There: From Orchard Road, take SBS bus 64, 65, or 111
to Serangoon Road.
-
Ethnic Quarters Geylang
Serai
The
Malays had been living in Singapore long before the Chinese or the
Indians, and Geylang became their enclave in the 1840s after the
British dispersed the Malay floating village at the mouth of the
Singapore River. Together with the large influx of Malaysians and
Indonesians, many wealthy Arabs then congregated in Geylang. In the
early 1920s, Kampong Glam's Malay population moved out en-mass to
Geylang Serai as a consequence of the keen competition for land in
Kampong Glam. Malay influence is still strong in Geylang Serai as
reflected in the restaurants and shops specialising in Malay cuisine
and ethnic goods, arts and crafts.
In the heart of Geylang Serai is the Malay Village, a vibrant
cultural showcase of the Malay community. Discover what it was like
to live in a village community 'Kampung Days', which showcases the
traditional lifestyle of Malays in the 1950s and 60s. You can also
experience traditional Malay arts and crafts like batik painting,
kite-making and kampong games such as top spinning. The Cultural
Museum features a fascinating collection of artefacts like weaving
tools, musical instruments and an extensive display of a traditional
Malay wedding complete with hand-sewn garments, accessories, and a
Bridal Chamber. Other attractions within the Malay Village include
the Muslim Showcase, Hall of Fame and Geylang Serai Corner, all
offering insight into the lives of Malays in Singapore.
The daily cultural performances at 6.30pm and 8pm are not to be
missed. Catch them daily at the Seafood Restaurant and Restoran
Temenggung.
Open:
Malay Village, 10am - 10pm (daily)
Location: 39
Geylang Serai, Geylang Serai Malay Village, Singapore 409227
Tel: (65) 6748
4700
Fax: (65) 6741 7794
Admission: Free entrance to the village
(Extra charges apply for the two attractions, Kampung Days and
Cultural Museum: SGD 5 adults and SGD 3 children)
Getting There: Take the MRT to Paya Lebar
Station (EW8) and walk towards Geylang Road.
|
Information
provided by
Singapore Tourism Board.
